Swivel coupling

Abstract

A system is disclosed for dispensing fuel, e.g. gasoline, from a reservoir tank into a consumption tank as in an automobile. The system incorporates two fluid flow channels, first a channel for liquid fuel and second a return line for fluid vapors. The channels include flexible hoses extending from a pump to a dispensing nozzle with rotatable or swiveled couplings. The couplings include two mating members affixed together to provide a fluid seal and relative rotation to accommodate swivel movement. One coupling member includes a fastening section which may be threaded to affix the coupling to a rigid structure, e.g. pump or nozzle. Also, the one member includes a somewhat cylindrical section defining an external, concentric groove for receiving a ring of nylon-like material. The cylindrical section of the one member is telescopically received within the other member which defines an internal groove for locking engagement with the nylon-like ring. The second member further includes a plurality of O-rings to accomplish a fluid seal with the cylindrical section. A fastener structure is also incorporated in a second member for locking it to a flexible hose. The coupling member provides a uniform internal diameter to avoid any obstructions to fluid flow while accommodating swivel motion.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A coupling for connecting a tank for receiving or dispensing fluid with a hose having a circular inner cross section comprising: a first mating member adapted to be securely connected to the tank, said first mating member having an inner hollow portion having a uniform circular cross section with the inside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the hose and adapted to transmit fluid therethrough, said first mating member further having a circumferential recess on the outer surface thereof;   a ring of nylon like material adapted to be fitted in said circumferential recess of said first mating member; and   a second mating member adapted to be rotatably coupled with said first mating member at one end with the hose at a second end, said second mating member including a circumferential recess on the inner surface thereof adapted to receive said ring to provide a rotatable mechanical coupling between said first mating member and said second mating member, said second mating member further including O-ring means mounted in grooves within the inner surface thereof for communicating with a portion of the outer surface of said first mating member to provide a fluid seal, said second mating member having a portion with an inner hollow surface for communicating with the fluid and having a circular inner cross sectional configuration which is identical to the circular cross sectional configuration of said inner hollow portion of said first mating member to provide an unobstructed flow path for fluid transmitted through said first and second mating members and the hose.   
     
     
       2. The coupling as described in claim 1 and wherein said portion of said second mating member having an inner hollow surface includes an inner hollow ring adapted for abutment against one end of said first mating member when said first and second mating members are coupled together and having an inside diameter equal to the inside diameter of said first mating member. 
     
     
       3. The coupling as described in claim 2 and further including a washer fitted against the inner surface of said second mating member and abutting against said hollow ring on one surface and abutting against the hose on another surface, said washer having an inside diameter equal to the inside diameter of said inner hollow portion of said first mating member and said inner hollow surface of said ring. 
     
     
       4. The coupling as described in claim 3 and wherein, the first mating member has a portion of the outer surface thereof threaded to provide a screw connection to the tank, and   said second mating member has a plurality of circular protrusions on a portion of the inner surface thereof to grip the hose.